John Isner was the guest on "Served with Andy Roddick" and reminisced about the epic 3-day, over 11-hour match at Wimbledon against Nicolas Mahut. In 2010, Isner made history as the winner of the longest match in tennis history, finishing 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(7), 7-6(3), 70-68.
With a total of 183 games played between June 22 and 24, 2010, the match was suspended twice and broke several records. The match began on Tuesday, June 22, with four sets played before it was suspended due to darkness.
Isner recalls the longest match in history
Resuming on June 23, it became the longest match of all time. At 21:13, the match was suspended again at 59-59 in the fifth set due to bad weather and resumed the next day, with Isner winning 70-68 in the fifth set.
The duel set records for the most games in a match (183), most games in a set (138), longest set (8 hours and 11 minutes), most aces by one player (Isner, 113), and the second most aces (Mahut, 103). Additionally, there were 18 consecutive games without a break, with each player holding serve 84 times. The match featured the most points played in a match (980), and Mahut set the record for most points won in a match (502).
"We started the second day with a fresh slate. Not a single person was talking about this first-round match. It was 0-0 in the fifth set at the start of the second day," Isner remembered. "And frankly, it was a super boring matchup in regular circumstances," Roddick responded jokingly.
"You know, it was kind of a big moment for me because, at that point, I had established myself as a seeded player at a Slam," Isner added. "I was seeded 20-something. But yeah, it was a totally boring match, probably wasn’t even worthy of Court 18, which is a somewhat big court at Wimbledon."
John Isner at 2021 Wimbledon.
"The first four sets were like an hour and a half. It was like one break each through four sets or something, a couple of tiebreakers," the former world No. 8 said. "So the first four sets went by quickly. We ran out of light, and then the second day was, of course, the nutty day. That was the day some people have spoken about. You must have decided—I don't know what the heck you decided to do—but when I got back to the locker room, you were the only one there," he added.
"How aware were you of the phenomenon in real time, or did you only digest that afterward?" Roddick asked.
"You could see people on their tiptoes trying to get a peek at the match, people without seats, friends lifting them up so they could look onto the court. You could sort of see that. I felt that going on at least while, at that point in the 20s, I was still lucid physically and mentally," Isner commented. "But then, you know, it gets into the 40s, and it became an absolute circus. As you mentioned, the scoreboard broke at some point in the 40s," he remembered.
"The scoreboard broke in the 40s and didn't work for the rest of the day. But yeah, somewhere in the 20s, I became aware. Then I became really, really acutely aware of it after the match because I don't know if you remember, the World Cup was going on at the exact same time, and England, of course, was in the World Cup. Our match was the number one story, even above the World Cup.
"It sucked honestly, Andy, it sucked being a part of the match, like awful," Isner added. "I remember, you know, it's Court 18. You do interviews with all the media people on top of Court 18. I'm doing interviews on the court, and he's down there playing doubles. Yeah, the poor guy—that was terrible. I felt awful for him. He was on there battling in doubles, and his hair hadn't moved either," he concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
